Special Initiatives & Programs

Seattle Parks and Recreation has a variety of special programs to support our mission and vision of healthy parks, healthy people, and strong communities. We work with members of the public, partners, other city departments, the state, and federal government to provide the best services for our community.

Hope for Youth Provides increased access for youth, ages 11-19, to sports and athletic programs/activities and other positive youth development programs/activities. The program provides funding for scholarships and some administrative costs to keep the program free to participants.

The Viewpoint Advisory Team focuses on specific strategies that enhance the sustainability and character of these parks from a visual, historical, and environmental management standpoint. The group may also develop options for additional funding, if warranted, to support the desired maintenance and enhancement of the public views.

The Get Moving initiative allows Seattle Parks and Recreation to work with outside organizations and provide innovative "Get Moving" opportunities to targeted communities. Funding opportunities exist each year that helps groups, individuals and organizations the opportunity to provide culturally relevant physical activities for communities where health disparities are prevalent.The program's annual Big Day of Play features demonstrations and information that highlight the range of health and wellness programs and activities available through Seattle Parks and Recreation.

The Park Rangers actively support the Center City Parks Concierges and Seattle Parks activation programs in Seattle's downtown core. The primary function of park rangers is to support positive use of our parks, to educate and assist park users and to seek voluntary compliance with laws and Park Code.

The Recreation for All fund, through the Seattle Parks District, provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations, small businesses, community groups, and individuals to provide culturally relevant programs and events throughout the City of Seattle. Programs or events must be held in City of Seattle community centers, parks, or facilities in neighborhoods where health and enrichment disparities are prevalent and serve the funds priority populations and communities including adults, LGBTQIA, immigrant and refugee populations, people of color, and people with disabilities.

The Seattle Conservation Corps, established in 1986, is a unique Parks and Recreation program that gives back in two ways: it trains homeless people for viable, living-wage jobs, and the Corps collectively do great work in Seattle parks and for other agencies and employers on a contract basis.